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To empower the farmers through the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) scheme, the Government of India has released funds for various activities of Farm Mechanization

Farm Mechanization

• It includes the establishment of Custom Hiring Centres, Farm Machinery Bank, High-tech Hubs, and distribution of various agricultural machinery, etc to different states.
  
• Agricultural Mechanization plays a vital role in optimizing the use of land, water energy resources, manpower, and other inputs like seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, etc to maximize the productivity of the available cultivable area and make agriculture more profitable and attractive profession for rural youth.
  
• Agricultural Mechanization is one of the key drivers for the sustainable development of the agriculture sector. 
  
• Sustainable Agriculture mechanization growth will require appropriate and precision agricultural machinery adequately supported by the latest technology.
  

Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)

• Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has launched a Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) in 2014-15 with the objectives of increasing the reach of farm mechanization to small and marginal farmers and to the regions & difficult areas where farm power availability is low.
  
• To boost up mechanization in the agriculture sector improved agricultural implements and machinery are essential inputs for modern agriculture that enhance the productivity of crops besides reducing human drudgery and cost of cultivation.
  
• Mechanization also helps in improving the utilization efficiency of other inputs therefore considered to be one of the most important segments of the agriculture sector to boost the income of farmers and growth of the agricultural economy.

Objective

For strengthening of agricultural mechanization in the country and to bring more inclusiveness Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM) has been introduced with the main objectives of are to promote ‘Custom Hiring Centres’ and ‘Hi-tech Hubs of High-Value Machines’ to offset the adverse economies of scale arising due to small and fragmented landholding and high cost of individual ownership; Creating awareness among stakeholders through demonstration and capacity building activities and ensuring performance testing and certification of agricultural machines at designated testing centers located all over the country.

Source: PIB